Castiglione d'Orcia is one of the most charming villages of the beautiful Val d'Orcia, thanks of course to its breathtaking view, characterized by the famous Crete Senesi.
The Crete are large expanses of clay, shaped into hills and hollows, typical of the Val d'Orciana countryside. The Crete have truly spectacular colors, and give all tourists and passers-by an unforgettable spectacle.
Castiglione d'Orcia is not only a panoramic view, this beautiful village is in fact a treasure chest of art and culture, enclosed within the mighty walls that once defended the city.
You will have fun visiting the village on foot, thanks to the charming narrow streets where you can discover many corners to photograph and craft shops where you can go shopping!
WHAT TO VISIT IN CASTIGLIONE D’ORCIA
Historic villages often hide some beauties that not all tourists are lucky enough to discover, so I'll give you some little advice on what you absolutely must visit in Castiglione d'Orcia:
1 - Terme di San Filippo: they are open-air spas, completely free and very suggestive. The limestone has formed over the years real sculptures, waterfalls and natural pools of hot water, in an absolutely fairytale context, surrounded by lush nature, in the shady and colorful forest. These thermal baths will absolutely give you a unique and absolutely relaxing experience just a few minutes from the town of Castiglione d'Orcia.
2 - Rocca Tentennano: it is an ancient castle that seems to date back to 1100! This splendid building in history has been the subject of many disputes between the noble families of the area. Today the fortress houses some splendid art exhibitions, which I suggest you take a peek! The terrace of the fortress offers a truly incredible view, from here you can see the whole Val d'Orcia in all its splendor.
3 - Le Sorgenti dell'Ermicciolo: on the slopes of Mount Amiata, not far from the village of Castiglione d'Orcia, surrounded by chestnut woods, is the Ermicciolo del Vivo, a small church built with local rock of volcanic origin. We are at the source of the Vivo torrent, where the aqueduct that brings water to the city of Siena begins. It is truly an enchanted place. To see the water gushing impetuously, foaming and crystalline from the rocks into the heart of the mountain is an indescribable experience, it is life itself that gushes forth with bursting force from the bowels of Mount Amiata. You can also make the organized excursion by night from the village to the Ermicciolo, in the silence of the night immersed in the chestnut woods, with only the light of the moon and small torches in hand.
TYPICAL PRODUCTS
As in the whole Tuscan countryside, the products we find in Castiglione d'Orcia are of the highest quality and zero kilometer. The most famous dishes of this region are surely the seasoned cold cuts, homemade pasta such as "pici", gnocchi and tagliatelle, accompanied by local game sauces that will surely awaken your appetite.
FESTIVITIES
The festivities in this enchanting place of art, culture and good food are always very festive and fun for tourists and locals alike. The first of May is one of the most heartfelt festivities in Castiglione d'Orcia, where a group of musicians and singers called "the Maggiaioli" sing, play and recite poems walking around the village, to wish the return of spring.
Another really funny, but above all tasty festivity is the "festa della pastasciutta" where you can taste many different types of handmade pasta, combined with many traditional sauces and sauces.
FESTIVITIESRESTAURANTS THAT WE RECOMMEND
Osteria Perillà: a restaurant of great elegance and unmistakable style, inside a beautiful brick structure. Here you can taste the typical dishes of Castiglione d'Orcia in a modern key, thanks to the reinterpretations of a truly impeccable chef. The modernity and innovative techniques used at Perillà do not distort the original recipes, but instead try to give it new life respecting the raw materials and the territory.
La Trattoria al Rientro: one of the most characteristic restaurants in Castiglione d'Orcia, where you can taste traditional dishes and wines in a truly breathtaking location, in complete contact with nature. Monti products in this farmhouse are handmade and for this reason we can say that simplicity and tradition are definitely the watchwords at Trattoria al Rientro.
La Taverna di Mozart: inspired by the ancient country taverns, where he used to meet to eat good food and taste local wine, the Taverna di Mozart is a truly romantic and enchanted place, built in an ancient stone barn.Inside this beautiful shabby chic style restaurant you can taste the excellent traditional dishes of Castiglione d'Orcia enjoying a truly romantic atmosphere.Inside this beautiful shabby chic style restaurant you can taste the excellent traditional dishes of Castiglione d'Orcia enjoying an atmosphere davvInside this beautiful shabby chic style restaurant you can taste the excellent traditional dishes of Castiglione d'Orcia, enjoying a truly romantic atmosphere.